Surface cleaning machines and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to cleaning machines and methods of use to clean flooring and other surfaces. One configuration is directed to a cleaning machine that utilizes a motor to drive an interchangeable cleaning drum about a rotational axis parallel to the surface being cleaned. The cleaning machine can be operable to clean a surface, such as a flooring surface or other surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, etc.) without a vacuum, pump, solution tank, or recovery tank. The cleaning machine may contact the surface being cleaned at replaceable glides disposed at or near a distal end of a cleaning head of the cleaning machine.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/586,468, filedJan. 13, 2012, and titled “CLEANING MACHINE,” and is a continuation inpart of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/410,856, filed Jan.12, 2012, and titled “CLEANING MACHINE,” each of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to cleaningmachines and methods of cleaning.

Cleaning carpets and other flooring surfaces is a perpetual chore. Avariety of devices and machines have been developed to aid in cleaningflooring surfaces. For example, a vacuum cleaner is a familiar device tomost people.

Another example of a machine for cleaning a flooring surface is asteamer or water extractor, which may be used for cleaning, for example,carpet and upholstery. A user fills the extractor with a cleaningsolution and/or water. The cleaning solution and/or water may be heatedto enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning. The extractor may includea pump and/or sprayer to spray cleaning solution and/or water/steam ontothe flooring surface. A brush in the extractor may aid in loosening dirtand/or oils in the carpet. A powerful vacuum in the extractor may pickup liquid (including cleaning solution and/or water) and dirt and otherdebris from the flooring surface and deposit them into a recovery tankof the vacuum. The extractor is then emptied to remove dirt, debris,and/or liquid from the vacuum recovery tank.

The present inventors have recognized that the pump, the vacuum motor,and/or the brush motor of an extractor require ongoing maintenance.Emptying recovery tanks can be a toilsome and tedious process. Steamersand water extractors may be heavy, particularly when filled withcleaning liquid. Furthermore, steam and/or water extraction cleaningmethods can leave carpets very wet, which results in extended dryingperiods, can damage the backing of the carpet, and may even lead tomildew and/or mold in the pad of the carpet.

Other available cleaning units, such as floor polishers and buffers,include a rotating component that rotates about an axis perpendicular orotherwise substantially transverse to the surface being cleaned. Thesecleaning units can be difficult to operate and control.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to cleaning machines and methods ofcleaning flooring and other surfaces. One configuration is directed to acleaning machine that utilizes a motor to drive cleaning drums about arotational axis parallel to the surface being cleaned, the cleaningmachine being operable to clean a surface, such as a flooring surface orother surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, etc.) without a vacuum, pump,solution tank, or recovery tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Understanding that drawings depict only certain preferred embodimentsand are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in nature,non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure aredescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a right front isometric view of a cleaning machine in anextended configuration, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a rear left isometric view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1Ain a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 1C is a right elevation view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a right elevation view of a cleaning machine, according toanother embodiment, in an operable orientation.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged right elevation view of a cleaning head of thecleaning machine of FIG. 2A with a dump tray in a catch configuration.

FIG. 2C is a right elevation view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 2Awith the dump tray in a dump configuration.

FIG. 2D is an enlarged right elevation view of a cleaning head of thecleaning machine of FIG. 2A with a dump tray in a dump configuration.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an upper handle assembly of a cleaningmachine, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the upper handle assembly of FIG.4A.

FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the upper handle assembly of FIG.4A.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a carry handle assembly of a cleaning machine,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, a cleaning head of a cleaning machine, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a drive side arm assembly of the cleaning machine,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of an access side arm assembly of the cleaning machine,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9L are various perspective views of a cleaning head of acleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,illustrating operation of an access side arm to replace a cleaning drum.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an electrical system of a cleaningmachine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are various views of a dump tray assembly of a cleaningmachine, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates various cleaning drums of a cleaning machine,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13L are various perspective views of a cleaning head of acleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating operation ofthe access side arm to interchange a brush guard and dump tray and/or toreplace a cleaning drum.

FIGS. 14A-14H are various views of a cleaning head of a cleaningmachine, according to one embodiment, illustrating replacement of aglide of a side arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a cleaning machine that utilizes amotor to drive cleaning drums about an axis of rotation that is parallelto a surface being cleaned.

Although the following disclosure is described primarily in terms ofcleaning carpet, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to cleaningcarpet. The disclosed embodiments of a cleaning machine may be capableof cleaning almost any surface, using an appropriate cleaning compound,simply by attaching an appropriate cleaning drum.

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a cleaning machine 100, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A and 1C illustrate thecleaning machine 100 in an extended configuration and FIG. 1Billustrates the cleaning machine in a collapsed configuration. Referringgenerally and collectively to FIGS. 1A-1D, the cleaning machine 100includes a handle assembly 102 and a cleaning head 104 (or power head).A user may grasp the handle assembly 102 to guide and direct orotherwise manipulate the cleaning head 104 during a cleaning operationto clean a given surface.

The handle assembly 102 may include an elongate shaft 110, one or morehandles 112, 114, 116 and an activation switch 118. The elongate shaft110 may include a handle tube 120 configured to support the one or morehandles 112, 114, 116. The handle tube 120 may also be configured toreceive an inner shaft 122 that is configured to telescope into thehandle tube 120. The telescoping action of the inner shaft 122 into thehandle tube 120 may enable telescopic length adjustment of a length ofthe elongate shaft 110. The telescoping of the inner shaft 122 may alsoallow the cleaning machine 100 to operate in an extended configuration(shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C) and a collapsed configuration (shown in FIG.1B). The collapsible elongate shaft 110 allows the cleaning machine 100to have a shorter length (e.g., a collapsed configuration) that may alsoprovide for convenient storage and transport of the cleaning machine100. In other words, the inner shaft 122 may be telescopically coupledinto the handle tube 120 to enable telescopic length adjustment of theelongate shaft between the extended configuration and the collapsedconfiguration. A shaft adjustment mechanism 124 (e.g., a button) mayenable securement of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120and allow releasing of engagement of the inner shaft 122 to adjustpositioning (e.g., a length) of the inner shaft 122 relative to thehandle tube 120. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 110 isadjustable to a plurality of different height positions. For example,the shaft engagement mechanism 124 may engage one of a plurality ofholes or detents along the inner shaft 122. The shaft engagementmechanism 124 may enable length adjustment of the elongate shaft at oneof a plurality of intermediate positions between an extendedconfiguration and a collapsed configuration. The elongate shaft 110 maydefine a longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100.

The one or more handles 112, 114, 116 of the handle assembly 102 mayenable a user to easily grasp the cleaning machine 100 during operationand for transport. The handle assembly 102 may include an upper handleassembly (e.g., see upper handle assembly 302 of FIGS. 3, and 4A-4C),including an upper trigger handle 112 and an upper carry handle 114, anda lower handle assembly (e.g., see lower handle assembly 304 of FIGS. 4,5A, and 5B), including a lower carry handle 116. A user may grasp one ortwo of these handles 112, 114, 116 at a time for various purposes,including transport and operation of the cleaning machine 100. The carryhandles 114, 116 may be “U-shaped” handles. As can be appreciated, inother embodiments, the handle assembly 102 may comprise more or fewerhandles. For example, in another embodiment, the handle assembly 102 mayinclude only the upper handle assembly, including the upper triggerhandle 112 and the upper carry handle 114. In another embodiment, thehandle assembly 102 may include only the upper trigger handle 112 andthe lower carry handle 116.

The upper trigger handle 112 and the upper carry handle 114 (e.g.,collectively the upper handle assembly) may be disposed at a proximalend of the handle tube 120. The upper trigger handle 112 may extendrearward at an angle to the handle tube 120 toward a rear side of thehandle tube 120. The activation switch 118 (e.g., a momentary powertrigger) may be disposed on the upper trigger handle 112. For example,the activation switch 118 may be disposed on an underside of the uppertrigger handle 112, such that a user can grasp the upper trigger handle112 with a top side of the handle gripped in a palm of the hand andoperate the activation switch 118 with one or more fingers whilegrasping the upper trigger handle 112. In other embodiments theactivation switch 118 may be disposed on the cleaning head 104.

The upper carry handle 114 may extend forward at an angle to the handletube 120, toward the cleaning head 104. The upper carry handle 114 maybe positioned adjacent to a proximal end of the cleaning machine 100 anddistal to the upper trigger handle 112. A user can grasp the upper carryhandle 114 and use leverage to raise a distal end of the cleaning unit100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning ofthe cleaning head 104 during cleaning or otherwise carry the cleaningmachine 100, such as for transport. In some embodiments the angle atwhich the upper carry handle 114 extends is permanently fixed. In otherembodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the uppercarry handle 114 may be configured to remain fixed or stationaryrelative to the handle tube 120.

The upper carry handle 114 may be U-shaped and can be used to carry thecleaning machine 100 during cleaning to stabilize the unit on unevensurfaces, and aid in moving the cleaning machine 100 laterally left andright during cleaning.

The upper handle assembly may also include a power cord 126 configuredto couple the cleaning machine 100 to a power supply, such as anelectrical receptacle outlet. In another embodiment, the upper handleassembly may include a compressed air port configured to couple thecleaning machine to a compressed air supply that powers the cleaningmachine 100. Other power sources may be possible.

One embodiment of an upper handle assembly, including the upper triggerhandle 112 and the upper carry handle 114, is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 4A-4C and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the lower handle assembly, including thelower carry handle 116, is disposed at a distal end of the handle tube120. Accordingly, when the inner shaft 122 is extended out of the handletube 120 in an extended configuration, for example as shown in theextended configuration of FIG. 1A, the lower carry handle 116 ispositioned at an intermediate position (e.g., near a middle) of theelongate shaft 110 of the cleaning machine 100. When the inner shaft 122is telescoped within the handle tube 120, for example in the collapsedconfiguration of FIG. 1B, the lower carry handle 116 is positionedsubstantially at the distal end of the elongate shaft and adjacent thecleaning head 104.

The lower carry handle 116 may extend upward and/or at an angle to thehandle tube 120, toward the upper carry handle 114. The lower carryhandle 112 may be U-shaped. In some embodiments the angle at which thelower carry handle 116 extends may be permanently fixed. In otherembodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the lowercarry handle 116 may be configured to remain fixed or stationaryrelative to the handle tube 120.

A user can grasp the lower carry handle 116 and, with better leveragethan with the upper carry handle 114, raise a distal end of the cleaningunit 100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioningof the cleaning head 104 during cleaning or otherwise carry the cleaningmachine 100, such as for transport. The lower carry handle 112 may beconfigured for convenient use when the cleaning machine 100 is used toclean vertical surfaces and/or when the elongate shaft 110 is collapsed,such as for cleaning stairs or during transport.

One embodiment of a lower handle assembly, including the lower carryhandle 116, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B and describedbelow with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the cleaning head 104 may be fixedlycoupled to the handle assembly 102. In other words, the orientation ofthe cleaning head 104 relative to the carry handles 114, 116 may befixed. The cleaning head may not rotate relative to the elongate shaft110. The fixed orientation of the cleaning head 104 may allow a user touse the cleaning machine 100 on vertical and angled surfaces in additionto horizontal surfaces. In another embodiment, the cleaning head 104 maybe configured to allow limited rotation about an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 104.

The cleaning head 104 may include a cleaning drum 130 (e.g., a brush), adrive unit 132, a drive side arm assembly 140, an access side armassembly 150, and a brush guard 160. The cleaning drum 130 may beconfigured to rotate during cleaning about an axis parallel to thesurface being cleaned by the cleaning drum 130. The drive unit 132 mayhouse a motor (e.g., motor 602 shown on FIGS. 6A and 7A) configured togenerate power to rotate the cleaning drum 130. The motor may beoperably connected to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate or drive thecleaning drum 130. The drive unit 132 may be configured to rotate thecleaning drum 130 about the axis parallel to the surface being cleanedby the cleaning drum 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit132 may rotate the cleaning drum 130, such that the cleaning drum 130rotates in a forward direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction asviewed in FIG. 1C). The rotational direction of the cleaning drum 130may tend to pull or otherwise propel the cleaning machine 100 forwardduring cleaning, while resisting movement of the cleaning machinebackward toward a user. As can be appreciated, in another embodiment,the cleaning drum 130 may rotate in the opposite direction.

The drive side arm assembly 140 may include a drive side arm 142 thatextends from the drive unit 132 distally and parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100 to engage a drive side ofa cleaning drum 130. The drive side arm 142 mechanically couples themotor of the drive unit 132 to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate thecleaning drum 130. The drive side arm assembly 140 is shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 7A-7B and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the access side arm assembly 150 mayinclude an access side arm 152 that extends from the drive unit 132distally and in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaningmachine 100 to engage an access side of the cleaning drum 130. Theaccess side arm is configured to rotate about an axis, for example anaxis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130, from asecurement position engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130 (e.g.,in an operational configuration) to a release position that allows thecleaning drum 130 to be removed from the cleaning machine 100. Theaccess side arm assembly 150 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8A-8Band described below with reference to the same. Operation of the accessside arm assembly 150 to release and allow replacement of the cleaningdrum 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9L and described below withreference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the drive side arm 142 and access sidearm 152 may together extend distally from the drive unit 132 (or from amotor housing of the drive unit 132) and in parallel. The arms 142, 152may also extend from the drive unit within (or on) a plane through thelongitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100. In other words, theelongate shaft 110 and the cleaning arms 142, 152 may all lielongitudinally within, or substantially within, the same plane.

The cleaning machine 100 may be configured to contact the floor (orother surface being cleaned) via the cleaning drum 130 and glides 170disposed at or near a distal end of the arms 142, 152. The cleaningmachine 100 may be constructed without wheels, though a wheeledconstruction may be configured. The glides 170 may be molded plasticcomponents attached to the arms 142, 152. Each glide 170 may be formedof a durable, low friction plastic, such as Delran, Teflon, Nylon. Theglides 170 may contact the surface being cleaned and function tostabilize the cleaning machine 100, limiting it from rocking from sideto side during a cleaning operation. The glides 170 may support some ofthe weight or load of the cleaning machine 100 when cleaning. The glides170, by supporting some of the load, may decrease strain on the motor,decreasing likelihood of the motor overheating and increasing the motorlife. The glides 170 may also make the cleaning machine 100 easier topush (or otherwise move) on surfaces such as carpet. The glides 170 mayreduce distortion of the brush bristles during storage of the cleaningmachine 100. The glides 170 may also reduce wear and damage to the arms142, 152 that support the cleaning drum 130. The glides 170 may beinexpensive and easy to quickly replace. In one construction, the glides170 may have a dovetail design that slides into an arm 142, 152 of thecleaning machine 100 for a durable connection to the arm 142, 152. If aglide 170 becomes worn or damaged, or if a different size glide may beuseful for a different cleaning application and/or a different surface,the glides 170 can be easily and quickly replaced (as illustrated inFIGS. 14A-14H and described below with reference to the same).

The cleaning head 104 may also include an optional brush guard 160. Thebrush guard 160 may include one or more wipers 162 (shown in FIG. 1D) orrubber flaps configured to span along a length of the cleaning drum 130and extend distally from the drive unit 132 at an angle toward thesurface being cleaned and backward behind the cleaning drum 130 toshield a user of the cleaning machine 100. The one or more wipers may beconfigured, such that when the cleaning machine 100 is in an operationalorientation (e.g., with the cleaning head 104 in contact with thesurface, the handle assembly 102 extending at an angle upward from thesurface and toward a user, and the carry handles 114, 116 extendinggenerally upward) the wipers extend to a position substantially near thesurface being cleaned to shield the operator of the machine from debrisand liquid flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130.

The brush guard 160 may also include a fender 164 extending at an anglein front of the cleaning drum 130 to shield bystanders from debrisand/or liquid that may be flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130. Thebrush guard 160 may limit errant discharge of debris and/or cleaningsolution as the cleaning drum 130 scrubs the cleaning surface. The brushguard 160 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6A and described below withreference to the same.

In another embodiment, the brush guard 160 may be replaced with otheraccessories, such as a dump tray, to facilitate cleaning and/orotherwise enhance the cleaning process.

The cleaning head 104, generally, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6Aand 6B and described below with reference to the same.

FIGS. 2A-2D are various views of a cleaning machine 200 having a dumptray 260, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring generally and collectively to FIGS. 2A-2D, the cleaningmachine 200 includes a handle assembly 202 and a cleaning head 204 (orpower head). The handle assembly 202 may include an elongate shaft 210and one or more handles 212, 214, 216. The elongate shaft 210 mayinclude a handle tube 220 configured to support the one or more handles212, 214, 216. The handle tube 220 may also be configured to receive aninner shaft 222 that is configured to telescope into the handle tube220. The handle assembly 202 may be of similar construction to that ofthe cleaning machine 100 described above.

The cleaning head 204 may include a cleaning drum 230 (e.g., a brush)and a drive unit 232 to drive the cleaning drum 230, similar to thecleaning machine 100 described above. The cleaning drum 230 may beconfigured to rotate during cleaning about an axis parallel to thesurface being cleaned by the cleaning drum 230. The drive unit 232 mayhouse a motor (e.g., motor 602 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A) configured togenerate power to rotate the cleaning drum 230.

The dump tray 260 can be attached and configured to pick up dirt,debris, and/or cleaning powder. As the cleaning drum 230 rotates, itsweeps dirt and other debris back into the dump tray 260. The dump tray260 can then be opened as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D to remove dirt anddebris from the dump tray 260 and otherwise empty and/or clean the dumptray 260. The dump tray 260 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 11A-11Qand described below with reference to the same.

In another embodiment, the brush guard 160 of the cleaning machine 100can be replaced with a dump tray 260, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13L.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the cleaning machine 100 ofFIG. 1. An upper handle assembly 302, including an upper trigger handle112 and an upper carry handle 114, is coupled to a proximal end ofhandle tube 120 of a lower handle assembly 304, including a lower carryhandle, to form the handle assembly 102. The lower carry handle 116 isdisposed at a distal end of the handle tube 120 of the lower handleassembly 304. The cleaning head 104 is fixedly coupled to a distal endof the inner shaft 122 of the lower handle assembly 304.

FIGS. 4A-4C are various views of an upper handle assembly 302 of acleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.The upper handle assembly 302 may be configured to be disposed at aproximal end of a handle tube 120 of an elongate shaft 110 (FIG. 1A). Asdescribed above, the upper handle assembly 302 may include an uppertrigger handle 112 and an upper carry handle 114. The upper triggerhandle 112 may extend rearward at an angle to the handle tube 120 towarda rear side of the handle tube 120.

The upper handle assembly 302 may also include an activation switch. Theactivation switch 118 may be a momentary power trigger switch disposedon the upper trigger handle 112. For example, the activation switch 118may be disposed on an underside of the upper trigger handle 112, suchthat a user can grasp the upper trigger handle 112 with a top side ofthe handle gripped in a palm of the hand and operate the activationswitch 118 with one or more fingers while grasping the upper triggerhandle 112.

The activation switch 118 may be a momentary power trigger switch thatallows a user a high degree of control during cleaning. Typically,machines used for cleaning flooring and other surfaces have a continuousrunning motor with an on/off switch. The momentary power triggeractivation switch 118 may allow control over operation of a cleaningmachine (and control over operation of the motor specifically) to be asresponsive as simply gripping a trigger of the momentary power triggeractivation switch 118 with one or more fingers. The momentary powertrigger activation switch 118 may activate responsive to being depressed(e.g., a user squeezing the trigger) and may automatically release whena depressive force is removed or released (e.g., a user releasing thetrigger).

The upper carry handle 114 may extend forward (e.g., away from a user ofthe cleaning machine) at an angle to the handle tube 120. The uppercarry handle 114 may be positioned adjacent to a proximal end of thecleaning machine 100, yet distal to the upper trigger handle 112. A usercan grasp the upper carry handle 114 and upper trigger handle 112 anduse leverage to raise a distal end of the cleaning unit 100 off thesurface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning of a cleaninghead 104 (FIG. 1A) during cleaning or to otherwise carry the cleaningmachine 100, such as for transport. In some embodiments the angle atwhich the upper carry handle 114 extends relative to the handle tube 120is permanently fixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable.During operation, the upper carry handle 114 may be configured to remainfixed or stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

The upper carry handle 114 may be U-shaped and can be used to carry thecleaning machine 100 during cleaning, to stabilize the unit on unevensurfaces, and to aid in moving the cleaning machine 100 laterally leftand right during cleaning.

The upper handle assembly 302 may also include a power cord 126configured to couple the cleaning machine 100 to a power supply, such asan electrical receptacle outlet. In another embodiment, the upper handleassembly may include a compressed air port configured to couple thecleaning machine to a compressed air supply that powers the cleaningmachine 100. Other power sources may be possible.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a lower handle assembly 304 of a cleaning machine,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The lower handleassembly 304 may include a lower carry handle 116, disposed at a distalend of a handle tube 120, at or proximal to a point of coupling of thehandle tube 120 and an inner shaft 122. Accordingly, when the innershaft 122 is extended out of the handle tube 120 in an extendedconfiguration, for example as shown in the extended configuration ofFIG. 5A (or FIG. 1A), the lower carry handle 116 is positioned at anintermediate position (e.g., near a middle) of the elongate shaft 110 ofthe cleaning machine 100. When the inner shaft 122 is telescoped withinthe handle tube 120, for example in the collapsed configuration of FIG.5B (or FIG. 1B), the lower carry handle 116 is positioned substantiallyat the distal end of the elongate shaft and adjacent the cleaning head104.

The lower carry handle 116 may extend upward and/or at an angle to thehandle tube 120, toward the upper carry handle 114 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).The lower carry handle 116 may be U-shaped. In some embodiments theangle at which the lower carry handle 116 extends may be permanentlyfixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable. Duringoperation, the lower carry handle 116 may be configured to remain fixedor stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

A user can grasp the lower carry handle 116 and, with better leveragethan with the upper carry handle 114 (FIGS. 4A-4C), raise a distal endof the cleaning unit 100 off the surface being cleaned to therebymanipulate positioning of the cleaning head 104 (FIG. 1A) duringcleaning or otherwise carry the cleaning machine 100 (FIG. 1A), such asfor transport. The lower carry handle 116 may be configured forconvenient use when the cleaning machine 100 is used to clean verticalsurfaces and/or when the elongate shaft 110 is collapsed, such as forcleaning stairs or during transport.

The handle assembly may further shaft adjustment mechanism 124. Theshaft adjustment mechanism 124 may operate to fix the elongate shaft 110in a collapsed configuration and/or an extended configuration. The shaftadjustment mechanism 124 may secure the inner shaft 122 relative to thehandle tube 120.

The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may also facilitate transition frombetween the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration (orvice verse). The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may allow release of theengagement of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120 foradjusting the positioning (e.g., a length) of the inner shaft 122relative to the handle tube 120. The elongate shaft 110 may beadjustable to a plurality of different height positions. For example,the shaft engagement mechanism 124 may engage one of a plurality ofholes 502 or detents along the inner shaft 122.

FIGS. 6A-6B are a partially exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaning machine, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning head 104 includesa drive unit 132 and a cleaning drum 130 coupled to the drive unit 132by a drive side arm assembly 140 (including a drive side arm 142) and anaccess side arm assembly 150 (including an access side arm 152). Thedrive side arm assembly 140 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A and7B and described below with reference to the same. The access side armassembly 150 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

The drive unit 132 comprises a motor 602 to drive the cleaning drum 130.The drive unit 132 and/or motor 602 are configured to rotate thecleaning drum 130 about a rotational axis parallel to the surface beingcleaned. The rotational axis is also a longitudinal axis of the cleaningdrum 130. The motor 602 may be an electric motor. In some embodimentsthe electric motor may be a brush motor. In other embodiments, the motormay be other than electrical (e.g., compressed air powered, fuel poweredengine). The motor 602 may be any suitable motor configured to generateand/or transfer power from a power source to the cleaning drum 130. Themotor 602 may have a single speed. In other embodiments, the motor 602may be a multiple speed and/or a variable speed motor. For example, themotor 602 may have a regular speed for normal cleaning and may have ahigh speed for high speed applications, such as polishing, buffing,sanding, and the like, which may be improved or enhanced by a higherrotational speed.

The drive unit 132 may further comprise a motor housing 604 to encloseor partially enclose and protect the motor 602. The motor housing 604may also include a handle mount 606 configured to couple to a handleassembly 102 (FIG. 1A).

The cleaning head 104 may further include a brush guard 160. The brushguard 160 may be configured to keep dirt, liquid and debris from beingthrown into the air, at the user, or at another bystander, object, orsurface (e.g., a wall). The brush guard 160 may also have one or morewipers 162 or rubber flaps at the back and/or sides to aid in keepingdebris inside a cleaning chamber. The one or more wipers 162 may spanalong a length of the cleaning drum 130 and extend distally from thedrive unit 132 and/or brush guard 160 at an angle toward the surfacebeing cleaned and backward behind the cleaning drum 130. The one or morewipers may be configured, such that when the cleaning machine is in anoperational orientation (e.g., with the cleaning head 104 in contactwith the surface, the handle assembly 102 extending at an angle upwardfrom the surface and toward a user, and the carry handles 114, 116extending generally upward as shown in FIG. 1A) the wipers extend to aposition substantially near the surface being cleaned to shield theoperator of the machine from debris and liquid flung from the rotatingcleaning drum 130.

The brush guard may include a fender 164 to shield nearby bystandersand/or objects. The fender 164 may extend at an angle in front of thecleaning drum 130 to shield bystanders and objects from debris and/orliquid that may be flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130. The brushguard 160 may limit errant discharge of debris and/or cleaning solutionas the cleaning drum 130 scrubs the cleaning surface.

If desirable, the brush guard 160 can be replaced with the dump tray 260(FIG. 2A). The brush guard 160 may be replaced with the dump tray 260when the access side arm 152 is opened, and/or cleaning drum 130 isremoved, by sliding out the brush guard 160 and sliding in the dump tray260. Removal of the brush guard 160 and replacement with the dump tray260 is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13L and described below with referenceto the same.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a drive side arm assembly 140 of a cleaning machine,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B shows thedrive side arm assembly 140 coupled to a motor 602. The drive side armassembly 140 may include a drive side arm 142 that extends distally froma drive side of the motor 602 to engage a drive side of a cleaning drum(FIG. 1A). The drive side arm 142 may mechanically couple the motor 602to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate the cleaning drum 130. The drive sidearm 142 may include a motor drive pulley 702, a drive belt 704, and agear drive side bearing assembly 706. The motor drive pulley 702 mayengage or couple to the motor 602 to be rotated by the motor 602. Themotor drive pulley 702 may also engage and turn the drive belt 704. Thedrive belt 704 may engage and turn a brush drive pulley 708 of thebearing assembly 706, which engages and rotates the cleaning drum 130.

The drive side arm 142 may also include a glide 170. The glide 170 maybe disposed at or near a distal end of the drive side arm 142 andconfigured to, during cleaning, contact the surface being cleaned. Asdescribed previously, the glide 170 may be formed of molded, durable,and/or low friction plastic, such as Delran, Teflon, Nylon. The glide170 may be configured to contact the surface being cleaned to stabilizethe cleaning machine during a cleaning operation. The glide 170 maysupport some of the weight or load of the cleaning machine to decreasestrain on the motor, which may also decrease likelihood of the motoroverheating and increase the motor life. The glide 170 may also make thecleaning machine easier to push (or otherwise move) on surfaces such ascarpet. The glide 170 may be inexpensive and easy to quickly replace. Aglide screw 172 may be unscrewed to release a glide plate 174 disposedon an outer surface of the drive side arm 142. Release of the glideplate 174 may allow the glide 170 to slide off the drive side arm 142.In one construction, the glides 170 may have a dovetail design thatslides onto and off of the drive side arm 142. If the glide 170 becomesworn or damaged, it can be easily and quickly replaced (as illustratedin FIGS. 14A-14H and described below with reference to the same).

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of an access side arm assembly 150 of a cleaning machine,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The access sidearm assembly 150 may include an access side arm 152 that extends fromthe motor 602 and/or drive unit 132 (FIG. 6A) to engage an access sideof the cleaning drum 130 (FIG. 1A). The access side arm 152 may includean access side bearing assembly 802 configured to engage and enablerotation of the cleaning drum 130. The access side arm 152 may alsoinclude a releasable securement knob 804 that releasably secures theaccess side arm in a securement position, or operational configuration,engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130. Releasing the securementknob 804 may allow the access side arm 152 to disengage from thecleaning drum 130 to a disengaged position. A spring 806 may bepositioned to spring-load the access side arm 152 to be biased towardthe disengaged position when the securement knob 804 is released. Theaccess side arm may be configured to rotate about an axis, for examplean axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130, fromthe securement position (e.g., the operational configuration) engagingand securing the cleaning drum 130 to a release position that allows thecleaning drum 130 to be removed from the cleaning machine 100.

To release the access side arm 152 a user manipulates the securementknob 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the knob 804 is manipulatedusing an appropriate tool or key, which limits operation of the accessside arm assembly 150 to those with the appropriate tool or key. Thislocking feature may be useful in a rental scenario in which the cleaningmachine may be loaned or rented to a user, and an owner of the machine(e.g., a rental company) may want to limit the cleaning drum 130 frombeing removed (e.g., stolen and/or replaced). In another embodiment,operation of the knob 804 to rotate the access side arm 152 of theaccess side arm assembly 150 may be accomplished by simply manuallypulling on and/or rotating the knob 804 without the need for a specialtool or key.

Operation of the access side arm assembly 150 to release and allowreplacement of the cleaning drum 130 is illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 9A-9L and described below with reference to the same.

The access side arm 152 may also include a glide 170 disposed at or neara distal end of the access side arm 152. The glide 170 may be coupled tothe side arm 152 by a glide screw 172 and/or glide plate 174, similar tothe glide 170 of the drive side arm 142 described above. The glides 170may enable a configuration of the cleaning machine that is withoutwheels. As mentioned above, the further discussion of replacement of aworn or otherwise inappropriate glide 170 is provided below withreference to FIGS. 14A-14H.

FIGS. 9A-9L are various perspective views of a cleaning head 104 of acleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,illustrating operation of the access side arm 152 to replace a cleaningdrum 130. Specifically, FIG. 9A provides an isometric view of thecleaning head 104. To change the cleaning drum 130, a user maymanipulate a knob 904. The knob 904 may be a pull-turn knob that allowsquick and easy release of the access side arm 152 to quickly and easilychange the cleaning drum. The knob 904 may be manipulated by pulling theknob 904 outward as shown in FIG. 9B and/or rotating the knob 904 asshown in FIG. 9C. In another embodiment, the knob 904 may require a toolfor manipulation, such as the knob 804 shown FIGS. 8A and 8B.Manipulation of the knob 904 may allow a spring-loaded mechanism toextend the access side arm 152 out, away from the drive unit 132 and outof engagement with the cleaning drum 130, as shown by the arrow 910 inFIG. 9D.

The access side arm 152 is configured to rotate about an axis that isabove (e.g., positioned proximally to) the rotational axis of thecleaning drum 130, as shown in FIG. 9E. For example, the access side arm152 may rotate about an axis that may be approximately in line (orcoaxial) with a rotational axis of a motor within the drive unit 132.With the access side arm 152 rotated away from engagement with thecleaning drum 130, for example to a release orientation, as shown inFIG. 9E, the cleaning drum 130 can be removed from the cleaning head104. Once in the release position, the cleaning drum 130 may fall from,or can easily be pulled from, engagement with the drive side arm 142.The arrow 912 in FIG. 9F conveys the directional movement (sidewardlyand then downwardly/outwardly) to disengage the cleaning drum 130 fromthe drive side arm 142.

A new cleaning drum 130 a can replace the cleaning drum 130. The arrow914 in FIG. 9G conveys the directional movement (inwardly/upwardly andthen sidewardly) to engage the new cleaning drum 130 a with the driveside arm 142. FIG. 9H shows the new cleaning drum 130 a engaged with thedriver side arm 142. The access side arm 152 can be rotated back to anengagement orientation, as shown in FIG. 9I, preparatory to engaging andsecuring the new cleaning drum 130 a in place. The access side arm 152is pushed toward the drive unit 132, as shown by the arrow 916 in FIG.9J, to engage the access side arm 152 with the new cleaning drum 130 a.The user may manipulate the knob 904, such as by pushing the knob 904and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown in FIG. 9K. FIG. 9L illustratesthe cleaning head 104 after completing the change from the cleaning drum130 to the new cleaning drum 130 a.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an electrical system 1000 of a cleaningmachine. The electrical system couples the power cord 126 (connectingthe cleaning machine to a power supply) to the motor 602 and enables theactivation switch 118 to operate to control opening and closing of thecircuit that delivers the power to the motor 602. A coiled wire harness1002 may enable telescoping extension and collapse of the elongate shaft110 (see FIG. 1A), and specifically the inner shaft 122 (see FIG. 1A)within the handle tube 120 (see FIG. 1A), in a manner that may avoidkinking and/or tangling of the wire(s) delivering power through theelongate shaft 110 to the motor 602. A length of the coiled wire harness1002 may expand and contract as needed, for example, similar to atelephone cord. The coiled wire harness 1002 may be disposed within theelongate shaft. The coiled wire harness 1002 may be expandable andcontractable and operable to deliver power to the motor both when thecleaning machine is in the extended configuration and the collapsedconfiguration.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a partially exploded view and a perspective view,respectively, of a dump tray 260 of a cleaning machine, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The dump tray 260 may include acatcher 262 to receive dirt and debris swept back by a rotating cleaningdrum 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A). A dump tray flap 266 is configured topivot to allow receiving of dirt and debris into the catcher 262 andtrapping the dirt and debris within the catcher. A dump tray pull handle1102 can be pivoted downward to engage the dump tray flap 266 to closethe opening to the catcher 262 of the dump tray 260 and maintain thedump tray flap 266 closed such that the cleaning machine operateswithout the dump tray 260 picking up, for example, debris or powder. Bypushing down the dump tray pull handle 1102 the flap 266 may rotate andclose an opening to the catch part of the dump tray 260. To again beginpicking up debris, the dump tray pull handle 1102 can be pulled up andthe flap 266 opens and the dump tray 260 will pick up debris.

FIG. 11C is a side view of the dump tray 260 in a catch configuration.FIG. 11D is a side view of the dump tray 260 in an open or dumpconfiguration. The dump tray 260 can be opened as shown in FIG. 11D toremove dirt and debris from the dump tray 260 and otherwise empty and/orclean the dump tray 260. An over the center spring may be utilized tokeep the dump tray 260 shut in the catch configuration and allow thecatcher 262 to be pulled open and stay open for removal of dirt anddebris. The dump tray 260 can be dumped while it is on the cleaningmachine (see FIGS. 2C and 2D). Taking the dump tray 260 off the cleaningmachine may not be necessary. Moreover, there may be no loose parts tobe lost if the cleaning machine is rented.

The dump tray 260 may also include a fender 264 configured to extend atan angle in front of a cleaning drum 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) to shieldbystanders from debris and/or liquid that may be flung from the rotatingcleaning drum 130.

FIG. 12 illustrates various cleaning drums 130 of a cleaning machine,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to cleaning carpet. Rather thedisclosed cleaning machines can clean almost any surface using any of anumber of cleaning drums 130, including but not limited to a brush 131 a(e.g., a nylon bristle brush), a micro fiber pad 131 b, a rubber bristlebrush 131 c, and an abrasive pad 131 d.

The brush 131 a may be used, for example, for residential and/orcommercial carpet, durable fabrics, and/or hard surfaces. Differentbrushes 131 a may be available for different surface types.

The micro fiber pad 131 b may be used for carpet and for hard and/orsmooth surfaces such as tile, hardwood, sealed wood, concrete, andvinyl. The microfiber pad 131 b not only loosens dirt and oils, it mayalso pick them up from the surface being cleaned.

The rubber bristle brush 131 c may be used, for example, for hairextraction and other specialty applications. For example, the rubberbristle brush 131 c may be useful for removing pet hair from carpet andother delicate cleaning applications.

The abrasive pad 131 d may be used for heavy duty scrubbing of durablehard surfaces, tile, tile grout, concrete, stone, metal. Less abrasivepads 131 d may also be used for cleaning vinyl and sealed wood and/orfor polishing hard surfaces.

Any of a number of different interchangeable cleaning drums 130 may beused as appropriate for cleaning different surfaces. Other cleaningdrums 130 may include sanding drums of various grit and polishing drums.

FIGS. 13A-13L are various perspective views of a cleaning head 104 of acleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating operation ofthe access side arm 152 to interchange a brush guard 160 and a dump tray260 (see FIG. 11A) and/or to replace a cleaning drum 130. Specifically,FIG. 13A provides a perspective view of the cleaning head 104. To removeand replace the brush guard 160 with a dump tray 260 (see FIG. 11A), auser may manipulate a knob 904, such as by pulling and/or rotating theknob 904 as shown in FIG. 13B. Manipulation of the knob 904 may allow aspring-loaded mechanism to extend the access side arm 152 out, away fromthe drive unit 132 and out of engagement with the cleaning drum 130, asshown in FIG. 13C.

The access side arm 152 is configured to rotate about an axis that isabove (e.g., positioned proximally to) the rotational axis of thecleaning drum 130, as shown in FIG. 13D. For example, the access sidearm 152 may rotate about an axis that may be in line with (or the sameas) a rotational axis of the motor 602 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). With theaccess side arm 152 rotated away from engagement with the cleaning drum130, for example, to a release orientation as shown in FIG. 13D, thecleaning drum 130 and brush guard 160 can be removed from the cleaninghead 104. The cleaning drum 130 may fall from, or can easily be pulledfrom, engagement with the drive side arm 142. The first (or top) arrow1302 in FIG. 13E conveys directional movement (sidewardly thendownwardly/outwardly) to disengage the cleaning drum 130 from the driveside arm 142. The second (bottom) arrow 1304 in FIG. 13E also conveysdirectional movement (sidewardly then downwardly/outwardly) to disengagethe brush guard 160 from the cleaning head 104.

The dump tray 260 can be coupled to the cleaning head 104 to replace thebrush guard 160. The arrow 1306 in FIG. 13F conveys the directionalmovement (inwardly/upwardly and then sidewardly) to engage the dump tray260 with the cleaning head 104. The arrow 1308 in FIG. 13G conveys thedirectional movement (inwardly/upwardly and then sidewardly) to againengage the cleaning drum 130 with the drive side arm 142. FIG. 13H showsthe cleaning drum 130 engaged with the driver side arm 142. The accessside arm 152 can be rotated back to an engagement orientation, as shownin FIG. 13I, preparatory to engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130and dump tray 260 in place. The access side arm 152 is pushed toward thedrive unit 132, as shown in FIG. 13J, to engage the access side arm 152with the cleaning drum 130. The user may manipulate the knob 904, suchas by pushing the knob 904 in and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown inFIG. 13K. FIG. 13L illustrates the cleaning head 104 after completingthe change from the brush guard 160 to the dump tray 260.

FIGS. 14A-14H are various views of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaningmachine, according to one embodiment, illustrating replacement of aglide 170 of a side arm 152. The cleaning machine may not have anywheels, but rather includes glides 170 to facilitate movement of thecleaning head 104 on the surface being cleaned by making the cleaningmachine easier to push on surfaces to be cleaned, such as carpet,hardwood, etc. The glides 170 may also function to stabilize thecleaning machine, limiting it from rocking from side to side, duringcleaning. The glides 170 may be formed of a durable, low frictionplastic, such as Delran, Teflon, or Nylon.

FIG. 14A is a side view of a cleaning head 104, showing the access sidearm 152 with a glide 170 disposed adjacent a distal end. The glide 170may extend below a core of the cleaning drum 130 to support some of theweight of the cleaning machine. The bristles of the brush cleaning drum130 may extend below the glide 170 as illustrated, such that contactwith the surface being cleaned is primarily via the cleaning drum 130.Thus, the glides 170 may support some of the weight or load of thecleaning machine when cleaning, for example, non hard surfaces likecarpet. By supporting some of the weight of the cleaning machine, theglides 170 may decrease strain on the motor, decrease likelihood of themotor overheating, and increase the motor life. The glides 170 may alsoreduce wear and damage to the arms 142, 152 that support the cleaningdrum 130.

The glides 170 may be replaced, for example by a user, when worn ordamaged and/or interchanged with glides of varying heights. Accordingly,when cleaning a hard flooring surface, a glide 170 may be used thatextends so that a microfiber cleaning drum or a scouring pad cleaningdrum are at substantially the same level as the glides 170 or slightlybelow. The level of the glides 170 may depend on the thickness of thecleaning surface on a core of the cleaning drum 130 (e.g., microfiber,scouring pad, bristles, etc.). Different cleaning drums 130 may havedifferent depths. The glides 170 can be changed to achieve a desiredglide level for a given cleaning drum depth.

FIG. 14B provides a right isometric view of the access side arm 152 ofthe cleaning head 104. FIG. 14B illustrates how the glides 170 mayreduce distortion and/or deformation of, for example, brush bristles ofa cleaning drum 130 during storage of the cleaning machine. The glides170 may be inexpensive and easy to quickly replace. If a glide 170becomes worn or damaged, or if different size glides are required fordifferent cleaning applications, the glides 170 can be easily andquickly changed, as will be described. A user may be able to quicklychange a glide 170 without disassembling other portions of the cleaninghead 104.

FIG. 14C shows a glide screw 172 being loosened to release a guide plate174 that secures the glide 170 to the arm 152. The glide plate 174 canrotate out of the way, as shown in FIG. 14D, or can be removed entirely(if the glide screw 172 is completely removed). With the glide plate 174moved out of the way, the glide 170 can be removed from the arm 152, asshown in FIG. 14E. An arrow in FIG. 14E shows the direction of movementof the glide 170 to remove it from the arm 152. The glide 170 may slideoff the arm 152.

FIG. 14F illustrates replacement of the glide 170. (As can beappreciated, a new glide 170 may replace an old or worn glide 170.) Theglide 170 may have a dovetail design that may slide into the arm 152 ofthe cleaning machine for a durable connection to the arm 152. The glide170 may slide into the arm 152 from the side, in a direction of thearrow of FIG. 14F, opposite the arrow in FIG. 14E, and/or parallel tothe axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130 and toward a center ormiddle of the cleaning head 104. The glide 170 and/or the arm 152 may beconfigured to prevent the glide 170 from sliding off an interior side ofthe arm 152. For example, the arm 152 and/or the glide 170 may include astop surface.

FIG. 14G illustrates the guide plate 174 being rotated back intoposition to engage the glide 170 and prevent the glide 170 from slidingout of position and/or falling off. FIG. 14H illustrates the glide screw172 being tightened to secure the glide plate in place. Replacement ofthe glide 170 is complete.

Although the cleaning machines disclosed herein may be used a variety ofdifferent ways, one method of cleaning carpet using a cleaning machinemay be as now described. Prior to using the cleaning machine, a user mayspray an appropriate cleaning solution onto a surface to be cleaned, forexample, carpet cleaner for carpet. Compared to some traditionalcleaning methods, very little liquid is put down onto the carpet orother surface to be cleaned. Because the cleaning solution is appliedseparately from operation of the cleaning machine, the dwell time, ortime the cleaner is on the surface, is independent of the operation ofthe cleaning machine. The cleaning solution can work more effectivelybecause it has time to sit on the carpet. Furthermore, the cleaner canbe less diluted with water. On certain surfaces, such as carpet, apowder cleaner can be used on heavily soiled areas and spots to furtherenhance cleaning.

After about five to ten minutes of dwell time (i.e., with the cleaningsolution on the carpet or surface to be cleaned) the user may use thecleaning machine over the carpet or other surface being cleaned to workthe cleaning solution into the fibers of the carpet or to otherwisescrub the surface being cleaned. For example, for carpet cleaning, abrush cleaning drum may be attached to and driven by the cleaningmachine to loosen dirt and oils from the carpet. The brush may be a reelbrush, which is much easier for the user to use and control thantraditional cleaning machines, such as a buffer. The direction ofrotation may also be less likely to unwind carpet fibers than otherrotational directions, such as about an axis transverse to the surfacebeing cleaned. This brush may also be configured to be gentle on carpetfibers. The brush can rotate at a slower rotations per minute (RPM)than, for example, a buffer, which may also be gentler on carpet fibers.

Because very little liquid is used, a powerful vacuum is not needed totake up excess liquid. Also, carpet in the foregoing manner may dryfaster than with traditional methods. The cleaning solution may trapdirt, debris, and oils and suspend them to prevent them fromre-depositing in the fibers of the carpet or on the surface beingcleaned. A powder carpet cleaner may work in much the same way, liftingdirt and oils from the carpet and bonding with them to preventre-deposit on the carpet fibers or surface being cleaned.

Once the carpet is dry, the user can dry vacuum the carpet with a basichome vacuum cleaner. The vacuum lifts and carries away the dirt, debris,and dried cleaning compound (and powder if used), leaving the carpetfresher and cleaner and the carpet fibers are left lifted and smellingbetter.

A hard surface can be scrubbed by attaching a scouring pad cleaning drumor brush cleaning drum to the cleaning machine and using an appropriatecleaning solution. The scouring pad or brush can loosen dirt and or oilsfrom the hard surface. Then the user can remove the scouring pad drum orbrush drum, and replace it with a microfiber drum to pick up theloosened dirt, debris, and/or liquid cleaning solution. The microfiberhas cleaning or scrubbing ability, but it is also very absorbent and canpick up dirt, debris, and moisture, such as oils and cleaning solution.A user could also use a mop to pick up the dirt, debris, oils, and/orcleaning solution.

Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those ofskill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and detailsof the methods and systems of the disclosure without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood thatthe embodiments described above have been presented by way of example,and not limitation.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within the embodiments of the presentinvention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which mayindependently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassedwithin the embodiments of the invention, subject to any specificallyexcluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes oneor both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those includedlimits are also included in the embodiments of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the embodiments of the invention belong. Although anymethods and materials similar or equivalent to those described hereincan also be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments of thepresent invention, the preferred methods and materials are nowdescribed. All patents and publications mentioned herein, includingthose cited in the Background of the application, are herebyincorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/ormaterials in connection with which the publications are cited.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments of thepresent invention are not entitled to antedate such publication byvirtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication providedmay be different from the actual publication dates which may need to beindependently confirmed.

Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although thedescription above contains much specificity, these should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations orsub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodimentsmay be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It shouldbe understood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in orderto form varying modes of the disclosed embodiments of the presentinvention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of thepresent invention herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above. The scope of thepresent invention should, therefore, be determined only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, thecleaning machine comprising: a handle assembly including an elongateshaft and a handle, the elongate shaft having a distal end and aproximal end and defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine;and a cleaning head attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft ofthe handle assembly, the cleaning head comprising: a cleaning drumconfigured to rotate to clean a given surface, wherein the cleaning drumis configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that, during cleaning,is parallel to the given surface; a motor operably connected to andconfigured to rotate the cleaning drum upon activation; a drive side armextending between the motor and a drive side of the cleaning drum toengage the drive side of the cleaning drum to the motor; and an accessside arm extending between a motor housing and an access side of thecleaning drum to engage an access side of the cleaning drum, wherein theaccess side arm is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to theaxis of rotation of the cleaning drum between a securement positionengaging and securing the cleaning drum in an operational configurationand a release position enabling the cleaning drum to be removed from thecleaning machine.
 2. The cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprisinga first glide disposed near a distal end of the drive side arm and asecond glide disposed near the access side arm, each of the first andsecond glides formed of a low friction material and configured tocontact the given surface to stabilize the cleaning machine during acleaning operation.
 3. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein theelongate shaft of the handle assembly comprises: a handle tubeconfigured to support the handle; and an inner shaft telescopicallycoupled into the handle tube to enable telescopic length adjustment ofthe elongate shaft between an extended configuration and a collapsedconfiguration, wherein the cleaning machine is operable to clean thegiven surface in each of the extended configuration and the collapsedconfiguration of the elongate shaft.
 4. The cleaning machine of claim 3,further comprising a coiled wire disposed within the elongate shaft todeliver to the motor power from a power source coupled to the handleassembly, wherein the coiled wire is expandable and contractable andoperable to deliver power to the motor both when the cleaning machine isin the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration.
 5. Thecleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the drive side arm extends from themotor to the drive side of the cleaning drum in parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.
 6. The cleaning machine ofclaim 1, wherein the access side arm extends from the motor housing tothe access side of the cleaning drum in parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the cleaning machine.
 7. The cleaning machine of claim 1,wherein the drive side arm and access side arm together extend from themotor housing in parallel and extend from the motor housing in a planeparallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.
 8. Thecleaning machine of claim 7, wherein the drive side arm and access sidearm together extend from the motor housing in parallel and extend fromthe motor housing in a plane of the longitudinal axis of the cleaningmachine.
 9. The cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising anactivation switch configured to activate the motor.
 10. The cleaningmachine of claim 9, wherein the activation switch comprises a momentarypower trigger switch configured to activate the motor responsive to themomentary power trigger switch being depressed and configured toautomatically release when a depressive force is removed, whereindepressing the momentary power trigger switch provides power to themotor and releasing the momentary power trigger switch stops power tothe motor.
 11. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the cleaningdrum comprises a cylinder defining an elongate axis, wherein the axis ofrotation is the elongate axis of the cylinder.
 12. A cleaning machinefor cleaning a surface, the cleaning machine comprising: a handleassembly configured to transition between an extended configuration anda collapsed configuration, the handle assembly comprising: an elongateshaft including a handle tube and an inner shaft slidably disposedwithin the handle shaft, the inner shaft telescopically coupled into thehandle tube to enable telescopic length adjustment of the elongate shaftbetween the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration, theelongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and defining alongitudinal axis of the cleaning machine; and a handle coupled to thehandle tube; and a cleaning head attached to the distal end of theelongate shaft of the handle assembly and configured to clean a givensurface, wherein the cleaning machine is operable to clean the givensurface in each of the extended configuration and the collapsedconfiguration of the elongate shaft.
 13. The cleaning machine of claim12, further comprising: a shaft adjustment mechanism configured toreleasably secure the inner shaft relative to the handle tube such thatreleasing securement of the inner shaft relative to the handle tubeenables position adjustment of the inner shaft relative to the handletube at an intermediate position between the collapsed configuration andthe extended configuration.
 14. The cleaning machine of claim 12,wherein the cleaning head comprises: a cleaning drum configured torotate to clean the given surface, wherein the cleaning drum isconfigured to rotate about an axis of rotation that, during cleaning, isparallel to the given surface; and a motor operably connected to andconfigured to rotate the cleaning drum upon activation of the motor. 15.The cleaning machine of claim 14, further comprising: a coiled wiredisposed within the elongate shaft to couple a power source to themotor, the power source coupled to the handle assembly, wherein thecoiled wire is expandable and contractable to enable telescopingextension and collapse of the elongate shaft while maintaining couplingof the activation switch to the motor and enabling operation of themotor in both the extended configuration and collapsed configuration ofthe handle assembly.
 16. The cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein thecleaning head further comprises: a drive side arm extending between themotor and a drive side of the cleaning drum to engage the drive side ofthe cleaning drum; and an access side arm extending between a motorhousing and an access side of the cleaning drum to engage an access sideof the cleaning drum, wherein the access side arm is configured torotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaningdrum between a securement position engaging and securing the cleaningdrum and a release position enabling the cleaning drum to be removedfrom the cleaning machine.
 17. The cleaning machine of claim 16, furthercomprising a first glide disposed near a distal end of the drive sidearm and a second glide disposed near a distal end of the access sidearm, each of the first and second glides formed of a low frictionmaterial and configured to engage the given surface to stabilize thecleaning machine during a cleaning operation.
 18. The cleaning machineof claim 12, further comprising an activation switch configured toactivate the motor.
 19. The cleaning machine of claim 18, wherein theactivation switch comprises a momentary power trigger switch configuredto activate the motor responsive to the momentary power trigger beingdepressed and configured to automatically release when a depressiveforce is removed, wherein depressing the activation switch providespower to the motor and releasing of the activation switch stops power tothe motor.
 20. A method of cleaning a surface, the method comprising:grasping handle assembly of a cleaning machine, the handle assemblycomprising an elongate shaft and a handle disposed on the elongateshaft; manipulating an activation switch of the cleaning machine toactivate a motor disposed in a cleaning head of the cleaning machine,the motor configured to rotate a cleaning drum about a longitudinal axisof the cleaning drum, wherein, during cleaning, the longitudinal axis ofthe cleaning drum is configured to be oriented parallel to the givensurface being cleaned; and positioning the cleaning head of the cleaningmachine, including the cleaning drum, in contact with the given surfaceto be cleaned, wherein the cleaning head of the cleaning machinecontacts the given surface at glides disposed near a distal end of sidearms disposed at a drive side and an opposite side of the cleaning drum,each glide formed of a low friction material and configured to engagethe given surface to stabilize the cleaning machine during a cleaningoperation.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: extending theelongate shaft of the handle assembly from a collapsed configuration toan extended configuration.
 22. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising: collapsing the elongate shaft of the handle assembly from anextended configuration to a collapsed configuration.
 23. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the activation switch of the cleaning machinecomprises a momentary power trigger switch configured to activate themotor of the cleaning machine responsive to being depressed and toautomatically release when a depressive force is removed, whereinmanipulation of the activation switch comprises squeezing a trigger ofthe momentary power trigger switch to provide power to the motor. 24.The method of claim 20, further comprising: applying a cleaning solutionto the given surface; and working the cleaning solution over the surfaceusing the rotating cleaning drum.